Comment

The planning system in Northern Ireland goes digital

This autumn, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and 10​​​​​​​ of the 11 local planning authorities[1] intend to launch the new Planning Portal for Northern Ireland.

The new Planning Portal will allow customers to:

• Submit planning applications online
• View, comment and track pending planning applications
• Submit Tree Preservation Order requests
• Submit complaints regarding possible breaches of planning control

It is envisaged that the new Planning Portal will be launched on Monday 5 December 2022.

To facilitate the transition to the new system, the current E-PIC Planning Portal will function in a ‘read only’ capacity for a short period prior to the launch of the new Planning Portal. It is anticipated that this ‘read only’ period will commence on Monday 21 November 2022.

During the transitional period the following will be unaffected:

• Viewing historic and current planning applications on the E-PIC system across the ten council areas and DfI planning
• Current planning applications will continue to be considered, however, consultee will be unable to upload responses until the new Planning Portal is live  

Planning authorities will continue to accept and validate planning applications during this time. However, they will not be able to advertise planning applications or issue consultation requests. This step in the process will be delayed until the Planning Portal is live.

During the transition period, we will liaise closely with planning officers and consultees to progress matters, and keep you informed on progress.

We will provide a further update at that time, however, should you have any questions please contact Angela Wiggam or Emma Kelly.

17 October 2022

This article was updated on 1 November 2022 to reflect a change in the launch date from 7 November to 5 December 2022 and a change in the ‘read only’ period commencement from 20 October to 21 November 2022.

[1] Mid Ulster District Council has already successfully launched their own portal in June 2022.